Triphala (त्रिफला) - Making Process and Uses in Ayurveda

What is Triphala?

The Three Constituent Fruits

The Making Process

Step 1 - Harvesting and Preparation of Raw Fruits

1. Fruits are harvested at full ripeness in the appropriate season.
2. The seeds/stones are removed; only the fruit pulp is used.
3. The pulp is dried thoroughly in shade (not direct sunlight, which degrades active compounds), then sun-dried briefly to remove residual moisture.
4. Dried pulp pieces are ground finely into powder using a stone grinder or mortar.

The Five Classical Preparations (Pancha Kalpana)

1. Triphala Churna (Powder) - the Base Form

• Each fruit pulp is dried separately and powdered to a fine, sieve-passed consistency.
• The three powders are blended uniformly.
• Standard dose: 3-6 grams with warm water, honey, or ghee.
• Storage: in a cool, dry, airtight container away from direct light.

• With ghee - for Vata disorders
• With honey - for Kapha disorders
• With raw sugar (mishri) - for Pitta disorders
• With warm water - general digestive/laxative use

2. Triphala Kwatha (Decoction)

• Mix Triphala churna and water in a 1:16 ratio (e.g., 10g powder + 160ml water).
• Boil on low-medium heat, stirring, until liquid reduces by half (to approximately 80ml).
• Strain through a fine cloth or sieve while warm.
• Consume fresh - decoctions should not be stored.

• Worm infestations, cellulitis (Visarpa)
• Urinary tract disorders
• As an eyewash for conjunctivitis and tired eyes (diluted and cooled)
• As a gargle for sore throat and pharyngeal inflammation
• Wound washing and irrigation of open sores

3. Triphala Ghrita (Medicated Clarified Butter)

• Triphala decoction (Kwatha) is combined with cow's ghee in a 4:1 ratio (4 parts decoction : 1 part ghee).
• Heated on low flame with continuous stirring until all water evaporates (tested by a "thread test" or when a drop pressed between fingers forms a non-sticky ball).
• Strained, cooled, stored in a glass jar.

• Eye disorders (Tarpana - eye-bathing ritual)
• Wound healing and skin diseases
• Strengthening digestive Agni (metabolic fire)
• Rasayana (anti-aging tonic)

4. Triphala Taila (Medicated Oil)

• Triphala powder/decoction is infused into sesame oil or coconut oil through controlled low-heat processing.
• Heated until all water evaporates and oil remains with the active principles of the herbs.
• Tested: when a small drop on a hot surface does not crackle (water-free), the oil is ready.

• Gargling (Gandusha) - for oral health, dental caries, loose teeth
• Nasal drops (Nasya) - for sinusitis and headaches
• Topical application - for skin diseases, itching, obesity (Udwartana massage)
• Enema (Basti) - for Vata disorders
• Oral consumption in small doses

5. Triphala Kalka (Fresh Paste)

• Triphala powder is moistened with enough water to form a thick paste.
• Adjuvants are added based on purpose:
  • Honey or ghee: double the quantity of paste
  • Jaggery or sugar: equal quantity
  • Water: four times the quantity of paste
• Standard dose as paste: 11 grams (1 tola)

• Topical application for skin conditions
• Wound healing (combined with oil)
• Dental application for gum diseases

Additional Specialized Preparations

Triphala Masi (Ash/Charcoal)

• Triphala powder is heated in a sealed iron vessel at temperatures below 450°C to produce a black carbon-rich ash (Masi).
• Heating above 450°C converts it to pure white Bhasma.
• Used externally mixed with honey or sesame oil for wound healing.
• Ingredient in Ayurvedic toothpaste for Pyorrhoea and tooth loss.

Triphala Varti (Collyrium Stick)

• Triphala powder (180g) + water (2880ml) in 1:16 ratio.
• Boiled to reduce to 360ml decoction.
• Re-heated in a copper vessel until a semi-solid paste (Avaleha) forms (approx. 210g).
• Rolled between thumb and finger into 2mg collyrium sticks.
• Used for blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) - the stick is moistened and applied to the eyelid margin.

Triphala Arka (Distillate)

• Similar to a distillation process - volatile principles and essential oils of Triphala are collected.
• Used as a more concentrated, rapidly absorbed preparation.

Ayurvedic Uses - System-Wise

Digestive System

• Constipation - gentle laxative action via Haritaki
• Hyperacidity/Gastritis - cooling Amalaki pacifies Pitta
• Irritable bowel - regulates gut motility
• Worm infestations - decoction form preferred
• Improves Pachana (digestion) and Deepana (stimulates digestive fire)

Eye Health (Netra Roga)

• Triphala eyewash (diluted Kwatha) for conjunctivitis, redness, watering eyes
• Triphala Ghrita Tarpana - nourishes and rejuvenates the eyes
• Collyrium (Varti) for blepharitis

Oral and Dental Health

• Gargling with decoction for sore throat, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums
• Triphala Masi toothpowder for Pyorrhoea and strengthening teeth

Skin and Wound Healing

• Topical paste or oil for wound irrigation, infection, skin diseases
• Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties support wound closure

Metabolic and Systemic Effects

• Diabetes - improves insulin sensitivity, reduces blood sugar (Madhumeha Chikitsa)
• Cholesterol - reduces serum lipids
• Obesity - Udwartana (powder massage) with Triphala, internal intake
• Liver health - hepatoprotective Amalaki content
• Immunity - immunomodulatory rasayana use

Rejuvenation (Rasayana)

• Haritaki (1 fruit-equivalent powder) - between meals or on empty stomach
• Bibhitaki (2 fruit-equivalent powder) - before meals
• Amalaki (4 fruit-equivalent powder) - after meals

Key Bioactive Compounds

Dosage and Safety Notes

• Standard daily dose of churna: 3-6g for adults, taken at night with warm water for laxative effect, or in morning for tonic use.
• Safe for long-term use but should be reduced during pregnancy (especially Haritaki in large doses).
• Not recommended in active diarrhea or dehydration.
• Best quality raw materials come from organically grown, traditionally harvested fruits - adulteration with substandard raw material is a known quality issue in commercial products.

Summary Table of Preparations

Triphala - Ratio of Each Fruit

Two Classical Ratios Exist

Ratio 1: Equal Parts (1:1:1)

• Mentioned in the Charaka Samhita and the modern Ayurvedic Formulary of India
• Most commonly used in commercial products today
• Considered a simple, balanced, tridoshic (balancing all three doshas) formula
• Best suited for general health maintenance, immunity, and antioxidant use

Ratio 2: Classical Ascending Ratio (1:2:4) - the Traditional Prescription

• Described in the Sharangadhara Samhita and referenced across multiple classical Ayurvedic texts
• Considered the authentic classical formulation for daily Rasayana (rejuvenation) use
• The dominance of Amalaki makes this ratio safer for prolonged use and more nourishing
• Best suited for anti-aging, daily tonic, digestion, and Rasayana therapy

Why the Ratio Matters

• Haritaki is the most powerful - it activates elimination and stimulates digestive fire (Agni). Too much can be too strongly laxative or depleting.
• Bibhitaki detoxifies Kapha and clears channels - used moderately to cleanse without overpowering.
• Amalaki is the gentlest and most nourishing - being the highest quantity, it ensures the formula restores as it cleanses, making long-term daily use safe and beneficial.

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